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As we celebrate Pride Month and recognise the significant progress made towards LGBTQ+ rights, it is crucial to acknowledge the legal safeguards that unmarried same-sex couples should prioritise, especially when it comes to protecting their loved ones when they are no longer here. While society has come a long way in recognising the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, there are still areas where protection and planning are essential. One such area is estate planning, specifically the creation of a Will.

As parents, we all want to protect and care for our children, and when they are younger it is generally acknowledged that parents have a right, and a responsibility, to do so. The law gives children more rights and responsibilities as they grow up, and when a child turns 16 they are effectively considered an adult and in many situations are deemed to be able to make decisions independently. If however your child is unable to make decisions for themselves, perhaps due to a lifelong disability, catastrophic injury or declining health, an application can be made to the Court for someone to be appointed as Guardian.

When a relationship breaks down, nobody should be left struggling financially. One party may often need financial support from the other, in particular prior to divorce. Many married couples or those who are in a civial partnership do not realise that you each have an obligation to support each other financially until you agree otherwise in writing or you divorce.

Estate planning and legal matters may seem like distant concerns reserved for older individuals, but one crucial document that should not be overlooked by people of any age is a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney allows you to plan for the future. It is a legal document that grants someone the authority to make financial and / or medical decisions on behalf of another person. While it may not seem necessary for young people who are in good health and just starting out in life, having a Power of Attorney in place can provide critical protection and peace of mind for a number of reasons and scenarios.